Two of the best blessings to this earth - Masala Chai & Gingerbread unite in this flavorful, ridiculously comforting cup of tea. I mean, this is both earth shattering and world changing in a single sip. A homemade gingerbread syrup only elevates an already amazing cup of homemade masala chai. You’re in for a real treat.
Homemade Masala Chai is a fabulous treat to begin with, but with an added flavor boost from even more spices and a warming gingerbread taste - it truly is heavenly and most comforting.
Let me share the details:
Starting out with our gingerbread syrup, we combine water, brown sugar, molasses, fresh ginger, orange zest, cinnamon sticks, allspice, whole cloves, cardamom pods, vanilla, and a pinch of salt and allow it to simmer and infuse all of those delicious flavors into the syrup.
We strain all of the spices and ginger out of the syrup and let it cool. Now it's ready to be stirred into coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cocktails, or other recipes.
Now, we move onto our Masala Chai. You can definitely use a powdered chai mix and just add a tablespoon or two of the homemade gingerbread syrup. I know that will be delicious, too. However, when I want a cup of chai - I want the real, authentic deal. It's better that way.
To make homemade masala chai, which means "spiced tea," we combine water with black tea, cardamom pods, fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, black peppercorns, and fennel seeds. We bring that to a boil and let is simmer and steep for a bit. Once steeped, we add in some milk, bring it back to a boil, and simmer for a few more minutes. Next, it's removed from the heat and strained directly into your cup of choice and a couple tablespoons of the gingerbread syrup is added. You can adjust the amount to your preference of sweetness.
Why Make Homemade Masala Chai?
I know that this might seem like a lot of work for "just a cup of tea." However, it is SO much more than that, friend. It's the process. It's the aroma as it's cooking. It's the beauty of the spices working together for a common goal - making a stupid delicious cup of tea.
I know that the powdered, instant chai drink mixes are tempting, and while delicious, they aren't fully chai. A spiced, Masala Chai has so much flavor that can only come from simmering it at home.
After tasting a home brewed cup of masala chai, you'll never go back to the concentrate or instant type of chai. Be prepared to unlock a whole new world of CHAI !
That's not to say that I'll never drink a cup of chai from concentrate or instant powder mix, but I certainly prefer a cup of this. It's what I serve friends when they come over to visit. It's what I love to make whenever I'm feeling under the weather, because not only is it incredibly delicious - a ton of the spices present in a cup of this tea naturally have so many healing properties. I especially love adding a ton of ginger when I'm needing an immune boost.
What Spices Are Used in Masala Chai
Each person's favorite chai spice blend can vary. However, throughout the last few years, I have finally discovered what I love in my own masala chai.
- Cinnamon Stick: This adds such a warming, comforting and familiar flavor. It adds a touch of sweetness.
- Whole Cloves: A classic spice with a classic flavor. It's not too overpowering, as it blends perfectly with the other spices present.
- Green Cardamom Pods: The star of the show, in my opinion, green cardamom is slightly floral, earthy, and very aromatic. This spice is pretty essential in every cup of masala chai.
- Black Peppercorns: Adds a touch of heat and spice.
- Fresh Ginger: It adds health benefits along with a gingery kick.
- Whole Fennel Seed: I've made this tea with and without the fennel seed, and to me - it completes the tea. It adds a faint licorice / anise flavor that gives each cup of tea the depth it needs.
Other Spices May Include: Star Anise, Allspice, Coriander, and Nutmeg.
How to Make Homemade Chai
- To make the Gingerbread Simple Syrup - follow the instructions here on the original recipe post. You'll need: water, brown sugar, molasses, fresh ginger, orange zest, cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, whole cloves, green cardamom pods, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Let the syrup cool and continue with the recipe.
- In a small saucepan, combine water, all the spices: a cinnamon stick, whole cloves, green cardamom pods, black peppercorns, fennel seed, and fresh ginger and bring to a boil.
- Add the tea bags, reduce to a simmer, and simmer for 7-10 minutes, depending on your desired tea strength.
- Add the milk and bring back to a boil. Reduce to medium heat and simmer for 5 more minutes. Strain into a cup, add gingerbread syrup, and blend with a handheld milk frother. Enjoy!
Helpful Tools for Masala Chai Making
A Small Saucepan with a Pour Spout
Mortar and Pestle - to help crush the cardamom pods and spices
Sieve - for Straining the Tea
Double Walled Glass Mugs - for serving
Black Tea - Assam Tea
Shop All My Must-Haves for Masala Chai Making Here
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Other Drinks to Mix Up
- Perfectly spiced, a homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte pairs well with just about anything. The homemade syrup is easy to throw together and uses lots of real spices and pumpkin puree. Nothing fake here!
- Need an impressive drink for that holiday party? A Classic Sidecar Cocktail will knock the socks off of them all. It’s traditional and simple, but it’s a great drink for any occasion.
- When in doubt, coffee is always the answer. You can never go wrong with an Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso. It’s easy, non dairy, and so delicious.
And Treats to Enjoy With Them
- The perfectly suitable pairing for any yummy drink is : Biscotti !! Biscotti screams “the holidays” to me, and it’s the perfect thing to give to someone because of how fancy it seems. Making homemade biscotti really is simple, and it’s the perfect treat to pair with this comforting cup of Gingerbread Chai.
- If you’re wanting a chocolate version of biscotti - I have just the recipe for you. It’s packed with double chocolate goodness and tastes almost like a crisp brownie. Dunking this into chai or a coffee will become your new favorite pastime.
- The Christmas and Holiday Seasons are full of treats, fun recipes, and lots of cookies - in my home, at least. Bourbon Chocolate Cherry Cookies that are packed with bourbon soaked cherries, dark chocolate chunks, and oats are always on the baking roster. They’re the perfect way to become Santa’s favorite.
- Another perfect thing to pair with a warm cup of tea or coffee are these Gluten Free Coffee Cake Cookies. They’re easy to make and are so delicious to snack on while sipping on a drink and watching your favorite movie.
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